The urban ag movement is gaining steam—and getting supporters in high places. Here is a message from the City of Philadelphia:

Dear Urban Farming Entrepreneurs and the like, The City of Philadelphia is issuing a Request for Information to gather indications of interest and experience in operating and managing sub-acre commercial, chemical-free farming plots on a City property called Manatawna Farm, located at 100 Spring Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19131. This initiative is intended to foster sustainable, urban agricultural businesses in Philadelphia and further the growth of a regional food system. Additionally this effort is meant to support Mayor Nutter’s food initiative, Philadelphia Food Charter, which calls for the use of City-owned spaces for urban agriculture, and Mayor Nutter’s sustainability plan, Greenworks Philadelphia, which recommends 12 commercial agriculture projects be established in the City by 2015. Applications and instructions for this Request for Information will be posted on the following websites no later than the close of business on Monday, April 22: http://www.phila.gov/rfp/ and http://www.fairmountpark.org.